This is an Unexpected Opportunity

Things are rapidly developing with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Over the weekend I learned that one of the stores carrying my work will close until the end of this month in order to protect customers and staff from being exposed. I support their decision. I suspect they aren’t the only stores taking this approach.

As I write this, the uncertainty and volatility of this situation is troubling. I think it is better to reduce stress and worry by focusing on other ways I can use my time as I self-isolate. I have made a conscious decision to view this as a wonderful opportunity for me to explore my creativity, finish items and build inventory. I will also add that I have not been exposed to the virus and I have no symptoms.

I would like to share a few of my plans in the hopes this will encourage others to find ways enjoy this time.

A new series. I have been exploring ideas for Signs of Faith. The cross shown below is a prototype. I want to make jewelry that can be viewed as an expression of ones belief.

Five days prior to Christmas I was given the inspiration to make this cross for my husband as one of his gifts. While I know it has tons of flaws as my Chasing and Repuossé skills are quite rusty, it still conveys beauty in the ‘brokenness’ represented.

Quality book time. As you can see by this stack, I have plenty to read, use for practice lessons and learn. These are the books on my short list that I will use to motivate, inspire and push me to become a better artist.

The Alan Revere book takes you through a total of 35 projects, starting with basic to advanced and I have been looking forward to using this to add to my metalsmithing skill set.

The Art of Stamping was a recent acquisition as I have started to make some custom tools working with fellow metalsmith John Wirth.

Jewelry Illustration will help me with my drawing skills.

Creative Stonesetting covers techniques I want to learn, along with some I want to improve upon.

Bandersnatch for pure inspiration.

Lots of Studio Time. Because my plan is to remain home most days (except for weekly grocery shopping or the occasional appointment), I will be spending even more time in my studio. I have some other projects in my work queue that I should finally be able to get to and finish.

Music. It feeds my soul, calms and helps me to focus. Thankfully I have a wide variety of playlists that I can enjoy.

I am doing my best to stay away from 24/7 news channels as they can and will raise my stress levels. No one needs that. Prudent awareness is more important to me.

Please join me in finding the positives during this time. Enjoy your days in the safety of your home and find ways to make the most of it.

I truly am grateful for this unexpected opportunity to delve deeper into so many of the things I love to do.

Until next time, I aspire to be more as an artist and a person.

 

Safety In the Studio

Safety in the studio is of utmost importance to me. I have decided to start a series of posts that will discuss my safe practices in the studio. I will add the disclaimer that I am not presenting myself as an expert on this subject at all. However, my goal is to share information that I have received on studio safety from what I consider to be reliable sources.

For this first post on the topic, I am going to describe something I recently read in a post on one of the Facebook Metalsmith Groups (I cannot remember which one). There was a discussion about the use of a #4 Smith acetylene air torch head with a size B acetylene tank. The statement was made that the use of that particular torch and tank was considered unsafe; actually it was considered dangerous. However, there was no explanation about why this opinion was given.

Below is a picture of the Smith acetylene air torch, size 4, and a typical size B acetylene tank. It is my understanding that these two should no longer be used together as it is not considered a safe practice.

I rely on Google when doing research, but I couldn’t find anything specific about this until I contacted Rio Grande’s Jewelry Tech Team (another metalsmith suggested I contact them). They confirmed what I had read, telling me it is true, no one should use the #4 Smith acetylene air torch head with a size B acetylene tank. They said the reason this is considered dangerous is because the #4 torch is so large it requires a tank size of 65 cubic feet or greater to operate safely.

I get my tanks from General Air. Information about tank sizes can be found on their website. Please take the time to discuss the correct tank size with your supplier. I have found the people at General Air to be knowledgeable and extremely helpful so you will have the correct set up for your torches. I believe your local industrial gas supplier can provide accurate information for the tank(s) you use.

I would also recommend that you discuss the tanks used in your studio with your insurance agent/carrier so you know what their policies will cover in your state/locale.

When I started my research, I wanted to know if what I had originally read on Facebook was accurate or the start of an urban legend. I must admit I was surprised that there was no information about this on the web. As a result, once I was able to confirm the authenticity of the recommendation through Rio Grande’s techs, I felt it was important to get the word out. Please consider this a public service announcement and share the information with your fellow metalsmiths. If you have any additional questions or need more specifics, I would recommend contacting Rio’s Tech Team too.

Until next time, I aspire to be more as a person and an artist.

Embracing Change

First I would like to welcome you to my new blog simply named, Kathleen Krucoff.

During the last week of February 2020, it became apparent to me that I needed to update my website and with that a snowball effect occurred resulting in this new blog. I have wanted to switch my blog from Mystical Mythical Metalwork for a while and the updated website provided the impetus.

The good news is I was able to import all of the blog posts from the old site. Feel free to explore the Archives.

I tend to embrace change. As an artist, I’m always looking for new ways to express myself in my metalwork.

My foundation series, Treescapes, has continued to evolve over time. In addition to piercing the metal to create the tree shapes, I have started to add tiny leaf cutouts. When I incorporate flush set 2mm faceted gemstones, I love the pop of color they add.

Several years ago as I was ‘fighting’ with a piece during the fabrication process and my Celestial Collection was ‘born’. It was as if this beautiful turquoise stone did not what to comply with my original design. I started over and it became the first Celestial (not the kind from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie). The intent with that collection is to represent some aspect of the Universe; stars, meteors, planets, comets and more.  That idea rooted in my mind during an evening stroll in Bandon Beach OR with my husband as he was photographing the Milky Way. The great expanse of the night sky with the ocean providing a musical backdrop left me in awe. I wanted to add my own interpretation of that beauty in my art jewelry.

Below are some of my latest works that were sent to Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery in the past week. They are having their annual 20% off sale both in store and online March 6, 7 & 8th in case something calls to you.

These show a bit of the recent evolution of my work in the placement of a gemstone slightly off center or the mixture of textures and metals.

Celestial Earrings – Flush set Poppy Topaz in sterling suspended from Mokume Gane Shields

Treescape Earrings – Flush set garnets in sterling with 24kt Gold Keum Boo Accents

Treescape Earrings – Textured back tear drop with matte finish smaller drop. Sterling.

Treescape Pendant – Flush set Paraiba Topaz. Sterling.

As I have mentioned, I have seen a lot of change in my work which I love. Studying artist like Claude Monet, Ansel Adams & Georgia O’Keefe, one of the common threads I find is they were never completely satisfied with their work. I really understand that. Throughout their lives, they continued to grow, learn, & change, which is easy to see in the progression of their respective creations.

I share this desire for change, growth and continued learning. One of my goals is to spend time in my studio every day; even if it’s only 5 minutes. Thankfully that is easier to do now than when I was working in the corporate world. I have noticed I have an even stronger desire to improve upon each piece I make every time I’m at my bench. Working with metal brings me joy, even when I am frustrated. Many mentors have told me that if I’m not making mistakes, I’m not developing. That is very true.

Please leave your thoughts or feedback in the comment section. I hope you enjoyed this post.

Until next time, I aspire to be more as  an artist and a person.